The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith-based organization, has an opening for a Volunteer, Public Relations, Special Events Coordinator for the McAllen, Texas Corps.
Job Summary: Plans, develops, coordinates, manages and monitors all public relations, volunteer, and special events activities related to the
Area Coordinate:recruits, trains, coordinates and monitors the work of volunteers to ensure ample staff support to meet program needs; plans and monitors all Salvation Army special events; writes and submits news and press releases and other marketing functions.
Marketing and Public Relations Responsibilities Writes and submits news and press releases to radio, television, and print media to promote Salvation Army events, meetings, and projects. Designs, develops, and prepares a quarterly newsletter designed to keep donors, media, and those requesting information of The Salvation Army up to dateon the activities of The Salvation Army in the local area.
Supervises and participates in the creation, preparation and/or upgrading of promotional materials to include annual reports, brochures, newsletters, and programs. Writes various articles in order to communicate and promote the service and progress of The Salvation Army in the
community. Prepares and conducts presentations for public relations, volunteer services, Development and Advisory Board meetings.
Prepares and sends public relations information about Salvation Army programs, etc. to the general public. Attends Salvation Army events and
special meetings in order to take photographs and writes articles for publication in The Salvation Army periodicals and newsletters.
Designs, prepares layout and generates charts, graphs, posters, bulletins and programs as needed. Volunteer Coordination Responsibilities
Recruits, screens, trains, and places volunteer staff ensuring adequate staff support is maintained to meet program needs; ensures that up-to-date records are maintained on all volunteers; plans and coordinates an annual volunteer appreciation luncheon and ongoing volunteer recognition. Communicates with various departments including social services and shelter service in order to maintain awareness of volunteer needs. Plans, schedules, and assigns work of volunteer’s workers; instructs volunteers in proper methods and procedures; checks and approves work in progress and upon completion to ensure accuracy and completeness as well as compliance with Salvation Army policies and procedures; ensures that background checks are conducted on all volunteers in accordance with Salvation Army policy before they are placed in their assigned positions; conducts written evaluations of volunteer’s performance. Maintains contact with volunteers throughout their service; answers their questions, concerns or problems; recognizes volunteers through correspondence by mail, email, in person or by phone. Provides direction, framework and resources to volunteers while utilizing their expertise, abilities and willingness to leverage their networks to drive the goals of the organization. Shares meaningful opportunities for volunteers so they are able to utilize their passion to further the mission of
the organization; gives recognition to volunteers for their efforts ensuring their success and satisfaction. Prepares and maintains up to date
records and databases of volunteer information; prepares annual report regarding the status of the volunteer program; provides volunteers and community service workers with documentation of the hours worked. Special Events Coordination Responsibilities Serves as lead coordinator of Christmas kettles and Angel Tree; contacts and secures potential locations for kettles; solicits corporate and individual volunteers; schedules and supervises bell ringers; plans and organizes activities regarding the Angel Tree program. Attends meetings and other community networking opportunities as assigned, which are pertinent to the promotion and support of The Salvation Army and enhancing its development programs and projects; performs public speaking to promote awareness and support of Salvation Army programs. Plans, organizes and executes Salvation Army’s special event activities; provides special fundraising event consultation service to the Area Corps as needed. Establishes revenue, mission and personal development goals for the Special Fundraising Events; organizes and facilitates event and program fundraising through Board and Council membership. In conjunction with the Director of Development, ensures the appropriate promotion for the events; directs and monitors event timelines, production schedules, run-of-show, logistics and staffing; prepares and complies with event budget best practices; evaluates special events to determine effectiveness and recommendations. Liaison Responsibilities Contacts the media to create awareness of special interest or events of The Salvation Army; serves as a Salvation Army representative or spokesperson as directed; represents The Salvation Army in a professional and positive manner. Speaks to groups at civic clubs, corporations, small businesses, universities, schools, and churches about Salvation Army programs to encourage/solicit their support. Other Responsibilities: Assists in preparing and administering the departmental budget; develops budget projects and monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with budget constraints. Travels, as needed to represent The Salvation Army both locally and throughout the state to conduct training or to give project oversight. Works weekend and evening hours as needed. Performs similar duties for seasonal projects and programs as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Materials and Equipment: Personal Computer; General Office Equipment; Adobe Page Maker. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of effective and efficient methods for organizing and maintaining records and ability to perform the same. Knowledge
of the principles and practices of working with volunteers and special event projects and internet marketing. Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of people and remain sensitive to their concerns Ability to administer a budget and monitors expenditures for compliance with the same. Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army. Ability to prepare and maintain reports in an accurate, complete, and timely manner. Ability to work independently and with limited supervision. Ability to plan and coordinate fund-raising events and activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university related in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field, and four to five years progressively responsible experience overseeing special events and/or volunteer-related activities or any equivalent combinations of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Certifications: Valid State Driver’s License
Physical Requirements: Ability to meet attendance requirements. Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively. Ability to work under the pressure of deadlines and time constraints. Ability to speak before large groups in person or one-on-one with potential volunteers. Ability to travel to various locations in order to participate in public meetings, conferences and other related events. Ability and willingness to conduct all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles; conducts all communications and job duties with the highest level of professionalism. Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking. Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) frequently. Working Conditions: Work may be performed in an office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like but not limited to the office environment.